Mike and Tim (you know, that guy who was born 13 minutes after Mike and kinda looks like him) are 36 today. Over the weekend we celebrated their 72 combined years by feasting on a whole suckling pig. (Warning, this blog post is for serious foodies. If you’re squeamish, you may find some of the photos a bit graphic. I don’t think they’re too bad, though. I mean, I sat at the table and ATE the thing while looking at it. But I’m just saying, if you’re kind of wimpy… maybe check back in tomorrow instead.)

When I was little, my dad used to take us to Skyline Chili on UK campus. Sister and I ordered “3-ways,” which is spaghetti topped with Skyline’s famous Cincinnati chili and shredded cheddar cheese. Skyline also had self-serve fountain drinks, which is like heaven for kids: while Dad was busy paying for our chili, we could furtively fill up on all the caffeinated beverages we wanted. I always drank a big, icy Mountain Dew with my 3-way. (I haven’t had a Mountain Dew in years, have you? It sounds terrible to me now.)

One night before Thanksgiving, I somehow persuaded Mike to watch the second episode of Oprah’s Favorite Things with me. I oohed and ahhed over sequined Ugg boots, diamond earrings, and a Coach bag… but quickly lost interest when Oprah introduced Johnny Mathis to sing a Christmas song.